2 drugs linked to heat deaths

July 26, 2002|By Sam Farmer. Special to the Tribune. Sam Farmer is a staff reporter for the Los Angeles Times, a Tribune newspaper.

Ephedrine and creatine use among football players may be a factor in a surge of heatstroke deaths in the sport since 1995, according to an article published in a medical journal Friday.

The article appears in the journal "Neurosurgery" and contends dietary supplements designed to enhance performance may have a significant impact on the body's ability to remain hydrated during stressful exercise in hot weather.

Dr. Julian Bailes, chair of neurosurgery at West Virginia University, an NFL players union consultant and principal author of the report, said it is the first story in a medical journal linking ephedrine, creatine and heatstroke deaths in football.

The subject of heat-related fatalities is particularly timely because it is raised a year after Minnesota Vikings tackle Korey Stringer became the first NFL player to die of heatstroke and after Northwestern defensive back Rashidi Wheeler died during a strenuous drill on an extremely hot day. The Cook County coroner ruled his death was from an asthma attack but Northwestern maintains ephedrine was a contributing factor.

Supplements with ephedrine, a stimulant, were found in Stringer's locker. Wheeler had ephedrine in his system.

The NFL last season added ephedrine to its banned substances. The NCAA also bans its use. Creatine is not banned.

"Our doctors say creatine does not pose significant risks," NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said. "Our people have identified ephedrine as a much more dangerous substance."

Doctors contend in the article that ephedrine can have serious side effects on the heart and central nervous system, while increasing the body's core temperature and decreasing its ability to cool.